KutangbatoVlogger

North Cotabato not lowering guards vs terror attacks, economy perks up despite threats

Multimedia By Ferdinandh Cabrera

KIDAPAWAN CITY (March 21) – Alert status in North Cotabato remained high despite the death of Malaysian terrorist and arrest of another leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza has said.

 

Mendoza said terrorism has taken its toll on the provincial government’s peace and development thrusts.

Bafore the fall of Malaysian bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan,” his group had planned to set off improvised bombs in Mlang and Midsayap, both in North Cotabato.

Police and local officials have blamed the BIFF, which was reported to have coddled Marwan, his Filipino aide Basit Usman, from the twin bombings in Mlang last year. 

On November 23, three teenagers were killed when suspected BIFF set off an Improvised Explosive Device in Mlang billiard hall near the town plaza.  On December 31, two were killed when suspected BIFF set off another bomb at the town’s public market.

 

Earlier, the BIFF set off an IED in Poblacion Kabacan, killing a female college student and wounded 17 others.

Mendoza said eve with the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako and death of Marwan, security officials in North Cotabato are not letting down its guards and remained on alert.

Mendoza said Usman, Marwan and other lawless group leaders have trained young members in bomb making and carrying it to populated communities which remains concern and the only means to halt their evil agenda is from the vigilance of every citizen.

“They have trained many bombers, so we remained on alert,” Mendoza said.  “Terrorism by these groups hinder our peace and development efforts, the trained bombers are still out there so we remained on alert.”

But despite these threats, the province has earned 1.5 billion pesos from agricultural and industrial investments poured in, the governor reported during her 5^th State of the Province Address in Makilala last Tuesday.

“If not with the threats, we could have reach more than that as robust investments are coming, that is why strive more to support the peace programs”, Mendoza added.

She recounted that 2014 is year of success and tragic events  but like a steel under fire, the people showed how to be strong  and united amidst trials and remains intact.

In her report, among her administration’s achievements are in the fields of financial management, infrastructures, socio-cultural, agricultural and economic development, health and wellness, education, peace and order, sports and others, to include the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping which was awarded to them just this February.

Mendoza vowed to continue transparency and good governance thru effective and inclusive participation of all the provincial officials.END